Book Review: The Dead Husband Cookbook

Title: The Dead Husband Cookbook

Author: Danielle Valentine

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Husband-Cookbook-Danielle-Valentine-ebook/dp/B0DVD6LJZ5/

Summary

A deliciously wicked new thriller from New York Times bestselling author Danielle Valentine.

One husband, well done.

When infamous chef, restaurateur, and television personality Maria Capello’s husband died, the media circus was intense…and quick to cast the blame. Whispers claimed Maria murdered her husband to build her culinary empire on his bones, and that there was an all-too-grisly reason his body was never recovered. Yet for the past few decades, the Capello family maintained their stoney silence—until now.

Thea Woods has no idea why she was chosen to work with Maria on her sure-to-be-infamous memoir, but she doesn’t question her luck. Spirited away to the Capello’s rustic upstate farm, she’s soon embroiled in the mystery—and cut off from the rest of the world. It should be the job of a lifetime, but something’s not quite right with the close-knit clan, and Damien Capello isn’t the only one to go mysteriously missing over the years. As the true story of Maria’s past unfolds and the stench of rot hidden behind the kind coastal grandmother veneer rises, Thea finds herself trapped…and desperately afraid.

Because there are reasons why Damien’s body was never found…and why, in over thirty years, Maria Capello has never revealed the secret ingredient in her most famous recipe.

My Review

5/5 Stars

When Thea gets the opportunity to become editor for celebrity chef Maria Capello’s memoir, it’s the answer to her prayers. Her life is on the cusp of falling apart, and if she can nail this job, she’ll be in the clear. Except there’s a reason Maria sought out Thea of all editors to work with, and things are far more sinister than she could guess.

This book absolutely gave me whiplash by how many times my thoughts went back and forth. Not only was this a phenomenal whodunit, but there were also moments that made it feel like a did they do it because it became a mystery of who’s dead and who’s not.

What moved me the most were the feminine undertones. The desire to have the perfect family and the heartbreak that comes when it falls apart despite your best is such a visceral, haunting feeling. As a mother myself, I understood that wish and that pain a little too well.

The cleverest part about this book were the recipes scattered throughout, which get progressively more heartbreaking the deeper into the book you read.

I haven’t heard anyone talking about this one, and it’s such a shame because this was a beautiful mix of horror, suspense, mystery, familial secrets, and feminine rage. Bet you won’t be able to guess what Maria’s secret ingredient is!